The triterpenoid saponins of Centella asiatica, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, are pivotal bioactive compounds of the plant. These constituents exhibit a spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, antitumor, and antidepressant effects, promotion of wound healing, and enhancement of microcirculation. Owing to these therapeutic properties, C. asiatica is widely employed in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. However, the escalating global demand for its extracts has led to potential supply shortages, prompting researchers to use multiple strategies such as multi-omics, molecular biology, and synthetic biology to conduct extensive studies. These studies encompass the elucidation of the biosynthetic pathways of triterpenoid saponins in C. asiatica, metabolic regulation, the hormonal induction of secondary metabolite synthesis, and the application of biotechnological strategies for natural product production to increase the yield of secondary metabolites in C. asiatica, or to produce active components via microbial chassis, thus satisfying market demands and promoting the sustainable exploitation of wild C. asiatica resources. This article first introduced the triterpenoid saponins of C. asiatica and their biological activities, then summarized the latest research advancements in their biosynthetic pathways, metabolic regulation, and heterologous biosynthesis, and provided an outlook on future development directions, with the aim of providing reference for comprehensive resource development and biotechnological synthesis of active components from C. asiatica.
Centella/genetics* ; Triterpenes/chemistry* ; Biosynthetic Pathways ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Plant Extracts

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of stone needle thermocompression and massage compared to flurbiprofen gel patch in relieving chronic musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder and back， and to explore the potential mediating mechanism through muscle elasticity. MethodsA total of 120 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder and back were randomly assigned to either stone needle group or flurbiprofen group， with 60 patients in each. The stone needle group received stone needle thermocompression and massage for 30 minutes， three times per week； the flurbiprofen group received flurbiprofen gel patch twice daily. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. Pain improvement， as the primary outcome， was assessed using the Global Pain Scale （GPS） at baseline， after 2 weeks of treatment， and again 2 weeks post-treatment. To explore potential mechanisms， a mediator analysis was conducted by measuring changes in superficial and deep muscle elasticity using musculoskeletal ultrasound at baseline and after the 2-week treatment period. ResultsThe stone needle group showed significantly greater pain relief than the flurbiprofen group 2 weeks post-treatment. After adjusting for confounders related to pain duration， the between-group mean difference was -8.8 ［95% CI （-18.2， -0.7）， P＜0.05］. Part of the therapeutic effect was mediated by changes in deep muscle elasticity， with a mediation effect size of -1.5 ［95% CI （-2.0， -0.9）， P = 0.024］， accounting for 17.9% of the total effect. ConclusionStone needle thermocompression and massage can effectively relieve chronic musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder and back， partly through a mediating effect of improved deep muscle elasticity.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of automatic pressure-controlled pressure cupping in patients with lumbar disc herniation, and compare it with traditional cupping. METHODS: A total of 100 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation from January 2022 to August 2024 were selected and divided into two groups:the automatic pressure-controlled pressure cupping group (controlled pressure cupping group) and the traditional cupping group (control group), 50 cases in each group. In the controlled pressure cupping group, there were 18 males and 32 females, with an age of (51.98±12.69) years;in the control group, there were 16 males and 34 females, with an age of (51.32±12.05) years. The visual analogue scale(VAS), comfort score, and lumbar range of motion were observed before treatment and after the 1st, 3rd, and 7th treatments to evaluate the efficacy and safety. RESULTS: All patients completed the treatment intervention, with complete follow-up data collected. No adverse reactions or complications occurred during treatment and follow-up. After the 3rd treatment, the VAS score of the controlled pressure cupping group was (2.38±0.49), which was lower than that of the control group (2.94±0.68), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). In the controlled pressure cupping group, the VAS scores after the 1st, 3rd, and 7th treatments were significantly better than those before treatment (P=0.026);in the control group, the VAS scores after the 3rd and 7th treatments were better than those before treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.182). Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) on VAS scores at different time points in both groups showed that there were statistically significant differences in inter-group, time, and interaction effects (P<0.05). After the 1st treatment, in the controlled pressure cupping group, 0 patients felt comfortable, 42 patients (84%) felt mild discomfort, and 8 patients (16%) felt moderate discomfort;in the control group, 0 patients felt comfortable, 28 patients (56%) felt mild discomfort, and 22 patients(44%) felt moderate discomfort;the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P=0.005). After the 3rd treatment, in the controlled pressure cupping group, 30 patients(60%) felt comfortable, 20 patients (40%) felt mild discomfort, and 0 patients felt moderate discomfort; in the control group, 9 patients (18%) felt comfortable, 41 patients (82%) felt mild discomfort, and 0 patients felt moderate discomfort;the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in comfort between the two groups after the 7th treatment(P>0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in lumbar range of motion between the two groups before and after treatment(P>0.05);compared with before treatment, the lumbar range of motion of both groups after treatment was significantly improved, with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). CONCLUSION Automatic pressure-controlled pressure cupping can effectively relieve symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation, with excellent safety.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/physiopathology* ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Lumbar Vertebrae/physiopathology* ; Cupping Therapy/methods* ; Pressure ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To investigate the expression of NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase family member 2(NSUN2)and protein arginine methyltransferase 5(PRMT5)in retinoblastoma(Rb)tissue and their correlation with the survival prognosis of Rb patients.Methods From February 2019 to February 2021,84 patients with Rb(Rb group)were selected from Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University Nanchong Hospital,and 50 normal retinal tissues were used as control group.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the levels of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA in retinal tissues.Kaplan-Meier curve was used to analyze the effect of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA on the prognosis of Rb patients.COX regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of Rb.Results The expression of NSUN2 mRNA(3.11±0.42)and PRMT5 mRNA(2.84±0.39)in Rb cancer tissues were higher than that in the control group(0.80±0.23,0.76±0.20),and the differences were statistically significant(t=35.935,35.033,all P<0.001).The expression of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA in Rb cancer tissues with tumor diameter≥20mm,undifferentiated and ⅡRC stage D～E were higher than that in tumor diameter<20mm,differentiated tissues and ⅡRC stage A～C cancer tissues,and the differences were statistically significant(t=18.297,141.770,16.693;18.663,139.144,39.947,均P<0.001).The 3-year progression-free survival rate in the high expression group of NSUN2 mRNA was lower than that in the low expression group(60.00%vs 88.64%).The 3-year progression-free survival rate in the high expression group of PRMT5 mRNA was lower than that in the low expression group(56.10%vs 93.02%)(Log rank χ2=13.440,19.501,all P<0.001).Undifferentiated type,ⅡRC stage D-E stage,NSUN2 mRNA high,PRMT5 mRNA high were risk factors affecting the prognosis of Rb patients(Waldχ2=5.923～7.161,all P<0.001).Conclusion The expression of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA in Rb tissues is increased,which is related to the maximum diameter of tumor,pathological classification and ⅡRC stage,and can be used as a tumor marker to evaluate the survival prognosis of Rb.

Objective To observe the origin and course of the obturator artery(OA),so as to provide anatomical reference for reducing hemorrhage during pelvic surgery and pubic fracture fixation.Methods A total of 65 human hemi-pelvises specimens with intact structure were dissected to observe the origin,course and other variations of OA.Measure the length of the inner section of OA basin and the outer diameter at the origin,etc.Results OA originated from the internal iliac artery in 57 cases(87.7%),including 3 cases(4.6%)of the superior gluteal artery,5 cases(7.7%)of the inferior gluteal artery,3 cases(4.6%)of the external iliac artery and 5 cases(7.7%)of the inferior epigastric artery.OA participated in the formation of the arterial trunk in 3 cases(4.6%).The length of the pelvic segment of the OA in male and female was(50.87±15.41)mm and(51.71±14.19)mm,respectively,with no statistically significant difference between them(P>0.05).The outer diameters at the origin of the OA in male and female were(2.79±1.05)mm and(2.35±0.86)mm,and there was no statistically significant difference between them(P>0.05).Conclusion OA mainly originated from the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery,with a few OA originated from the branches of the posterior trunk or the inferior epigastric artery,or participated in the formation of the arterial trunk.In pelvic surgery involving OA area,attention should be paid to the length of its pelvic segment and the outer diameter at the origin of OA,so as to better locate and protect blood vessels during surgery.

Objective To observe the origin and course of the obturator artery(OA),so as to provide anatomical reference for reducing hemorrhage during pelvic surgery and pubic fracture fixation.Methods A total of 65 human hemi-pelvises specimens with intact structure were dissected to observe the origin,course and other variations of OA.Measure the length of the inner section of OA basin and the outer diameter at the origin,etc.Results OA originated from the internal iliac artery in 57 cases(87.7%),including 3 cases(4.6%)of the superior gluteal artery,5 cases(7.7%)of the inferior gluteal artery,3 cases(4.6%)of the external iliac artery and 5 cases(7.7%)of the inferior epigastric artery.OA participated in the formation of the arterial trunk in 3 cases(4.6%).The length of the pelvic segment of the OA in male and female was(50.87±15.41)mm and(51.71±14.19)mm,respectively,with no statistically significant difference between them(P>0.05).The outer diameters at the origin of the OA in male and female were(2.79±1.05)mm and(2.35±0.86)mm,and there was no statistically significant difference between them(P>0.05).Conclusion OA mainly originated from the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery,with a few OA originated from the branches of the posterior trunk or the inferior epigastric artery,or participated in the formation of the arterial trunk.In pelvic surgery involving OA area,attention should be paid to the length of its pelvic segment and the outer diameter at the origin of OA,so as to better locate and protect blood vessels during surgery.

Objective To investigate the expression of NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase family member 2(NSUN2)and protein arginine methyltransferase 5(PRMT5)in retinoblastoma(Rb)tissue and their correlation with the survival prognosis of Rb patients.Methods From February 2019 to February 2021,84 patients with Rb(Rb group)were selected from Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University Nanchong Hospital,and 50 normal retinal tissues were used as control group.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the levels of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA in retinal tissues.Kaplan-Meier curve was used to analyze the effect of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA on the prognosis of Rb patients.COX regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of Rb.Results The expression of NSUN2 mRNA(3.11±0.42)and PRMT5 mRNA(2.84±0.39)in Rb cancer tissues were higher than that in the control group(0.80±0.23,0.76±0.20),and the differences were statistically significant(t=35.935,35.033,all P<0.001).The expression of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA in Rb cancer tissues with tumor diameter≥20mm,undifferentiated and ⅡRC stage D～E were higher than that in tumor diameter<20mm,differentiated tissues and ⅡRC stage A～C cancer tissues,and the differences were statistically significant(t=18.297,141.770,16.693;18.663,139.144,39.947,均P<0.001).The 3-year progression-free survival rate in the high expression group of NSUN2 mRNA was lower than that in the low expression group(60.00%vs 88.64%).The 3-year progression-free survival rate in the high expression group of PRMT5 mRNA was lower than that in the low expression group(56.10%vs 93.02%)(Log rank χ2=13.440,19.501,all P<0.001).Undifferentiated type,ⅡRC stage D-E stage,NSUN2 mRNA high,PRMT5 mRNA high were risk factors affecting the prognosis of Rb patients(Waldχ2=5.923～7.161,all P<0.001).Conclusion The expression of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA in Rb tissues is increased,which is related to the maximum diameter of tumor,pathological classification and ⅡRC stage,and can be used as a tumor marker to evaluate the survival prognosis of Rb.

OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical efficacy of Suyin Jiedu Prescription in the treatment of Stage 3-5 non-dialysis chronic kidney disease of kidney deficiency and turbid toxin type and its effect on serum Klotho and inflammation levels.METHODS A total of 102 patients with Stage 3-5 non-dialysis chronic kidney disease of kidney deficiency and turbid toxin type who met the inclu-sion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,51 cases in each group;a total of 84 cases were comple-ted,including 44 cases in the control group and 40 cases in the treatment group.The control group was given conventional Western medicine basic treatment,and the treatment group was given Suyin Jiedu Prescription on the basis of the control group treatment.The treatment course of both groups was 16 weeks.The levels of renal function indexes[hemoglobin(Hb),serum albumin(Alb),urea ni-trogen(BUN),serum creatinine(Scr),estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),24 h urine protein(UTP)]and TCM syndrome scores were observed in the two groups before and after treatment.The levels of serum Klotho,tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)and interleukin 18(IL-18)were detected by ELISA.The clinical efficacy between the two groups after treatment was compared.RE-SULTS After treatment,BUN and Scr levels of the two groups of patients were significantly decreased(P<0.05),eGFR was signifi-cantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the treatment group was better than the control group(P<0.05);the TCM syndrome scores of the two groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the treatment group was better than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01);the serum Klotho level in the treatment group was significantly increased(P<0.05),the IL-18 level was significantly de-creased(P<0.01),and the serum Klotho,TNF-α,and IL-18 levels in the treatment group were better than those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).The total clinical effective rate in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Suyin Jiedu Prescription can effectively improve renal function and relieve clinical symptoms in patients with Stage 3-5 non-dialysis chronic kidney disease of kidney deficiency and turbid toxin type,which may be related to increasing Klotho level and reducing inflammation in the body.

Objective To develop and validate a transgenic mouse model enabling specific and inducible optogenetic activation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells(OPCs).Methods A conditional allele for the photosensitive opsin chicken opsin 5(cOpn5)(Rosa26-LSL-cOpn5)was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.These mice were subsequently crossed with NG2-CreERT transgenic mice to produce NG2-CreERT;cOpn5 animals.In this model,tamoxifen administration induces Cre-mediated recombination,leading to specific expression of cOpn5 in NG2-positive OPCs.The specificity and efficiency of cOpn5 expression in OPCs were confirmed by immunofluorescent staining.Functional validation of light-induced OPC activation was performed by using calcium imaging in acute brain slices after stimulation with 470 nm blue light.Results Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed robust and specific expression of cOpn5 within NG2-positive OPCs in the brains of tamoxifen-treated NG2-CreERT;cOpn5 mice.Crucially,calcium imaging of acute brain slices from these mice demonstrated a significant increase in intracellular calcium levels in cOpn5-expressing OPCs upon stimulation with 470 nm blue light,indicating successful optogenetic activation.Conclusion We have successfully generated and validated a novel transgenic mouse model(NG2-CreERT;cOpn5)that permits specific and inducible optogenetic activation of OPCs.This model provides a novel tool for subsequent in vivo studies of the role and regulating mechanisms of OPCs in the central nervous system.

To investigate the phenotype and genomic characterization of a mucoid-type Salmonella Saintpaul ST50 isolate from a urinary tract infection patient,promoting clinical diagnosis and treatment for urinary tract infections caused by Salmo-nella spp.Culture-based quantitative counts of midstream urine sample from the patient were conducted,and further biochemi-cal identification,mass spectrometry detection,serum agglutination test and antimicrobial susceptibility test(AST)were con-ducted on Salmonella isolate(2024JD5).Whole-genome sequencing(WGS)was performed on isolate 2024JD5 to predict sero-type,multilocus sequence type(MLST),resistance genes,and virulence genes.Two smooth-type of Salmonella Saintpaul ST50 were selected as comparative genomic reference strains from the Chinese local Salmonella genome database.The literature reviews of global Salmonella serotype of urinary tract infection were summarized.Specific serum agglutination confir-mation of isolate 2024JD5 failed due to characterization of the mucus type.The strain 2024JD5 was predicted as Salmonella Saintpaul(4,5,12:e,h:1,2)ST50 using WGS,and was resistant to ciprofloxacin,nalidixic acid,chloramphenicol and tetracy-cline with carrying aminoglycoside resistance genes aac(6')-Ⅰaa and aph(3)-Ⅱa,chloramphenicol resistance gene floR,tetra-cycline resistance gene tet,quinolone resistance gene qnrS1,and S83Y substitution in the gyrA gene was found in the quinolo-ne resistance determination region(QRDR).In addition,the strain 2024JD4 carried six types of non-plasmid-based mobile ge-netic elements and 144 virulence genes,including 71 secretion transporter genes and 58 fimbriae adhesion genes,respectively.Four types of fimbriae regulatory genes(csgB,csgC,fimW,fimY)were absent in comparison with smooth-type Salmonella Saintpaul.The literature reviews showed Salmonella Saintpaul was currently a rare Salmonella serotype in cases of urinary tract infections worldwide.Salmonella Saintpaul ST50 with mucoid-type is the pathogen of urinary tract infection with multi-drug resistant phenotypic and genotypic characteristics,and the high mucoid expression may be related to the compensatory mechanism of fimbriae regulatory genes absence in urinary tract colonization and adaptation.WGS combined with the Chinese local Salmonella genome database can effectively solve the diagnosis and biosafety assessments of rare Salmonella phenotypes.